THE Ministry of Food Industry, Commodity and Food Development is planning to establish indigenous fish belts, namely, the Empurau and Tapah Belt in Kapit and Bintulu respectively.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the Department of Agriculture (DOA) has taken the initiative to upgrade existing facilities at the Inland Fisheries Holding Station in Song, Kapit to carry out domestication and development of indigenous fish such as ‘empurau’, ‘semah’, ‘labang’ and ‘tengadak’ from Katibas and Baleh with an initial allocation of RM105,000.
“The centre will be renamed as Kapit Indigenous Fish Hatchery Centre (Pusat Pembenihan Ikan Asal Kapit).
“Besides, two satellite stations in Kapit namely Merirai and Engkuah Agriculture Station would also be developed as inland fisheries stations for high impact indigenous fishes aquaculture and conservation,” he said.
Dr Rundi said this in his ministerial winding-up speech at the DUN sitting, today (May 23).
Meanwhile, for the proposed development of the Tapah Belt in Bintulu, he said it will start with the upgrading of facilities at Sungai Sebiew Inland Fisheries Station, and renamed Kemena Tapah Research and Development Centre.
“Among others, the centre will conduct research and development of Tapah fish as well as other high value blackwater ornamental fishes and aquatic plants.
“A satellite research facility, the Tapah Research and Conservation Ulu Binyo Base Camp will also be established to focus on the Tapah fisheries researches,” he added.
In terms of fish and shrimp production, Dr Rundi said four areas had been gazetted by the Sarawak government as an Aquaculture Industrial Zone (AIZ) to date.
This includes the Batang Ai Dam in Lubok Antu, Loba Stoh Rambungan in Kuching, Sundar Awat-Awat in Lawas and Selalang in Sarikei for the production of high value fresh and brackish-water fish and shrimp produces.
He added that DOA is also planning to gazette Bakun Dam as AIZ in 2024 as it has an estimated potential production capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes with a production value of RM500 million per annum.
“In addition, the ministry will continue to identify suitable site along the coastal areas to develop more Aquaculture Park to expand the production of fish and shrimp produces to meet domestic and international demand.
“The development of AIZs and Aquaculture Parks are important initiatives to promote sustainable development of the aquaculture industry,” he said.
